1st Edition

Less Is More in Elementary School Strategies for Thriving in a High-Stakes Environment

    218 Pages
    by Eye On Education

    218 Pages
    by Eye On Education

    In this era of rigorous standards, testing, and overcrowded curricula, many teachers are left wondering how they’re ever going to cover the material. Less Is More in Elementary School offers realistic solutions by providing ways teachers can streamline their curriculum, get the most out of assessment, communicate with families, and engage students in their own learning. This much-needed book will help you meet the demands of the Common Core more efficiently and effectively.

    You’ll learn how to…

    • integrate the curriculum so that you can take time to slow down and explore topics in depth;
    • help students become critical readers, problem solvers, collaborators, and communicators;
    • make students more engaged, reflective, and self-regulating;
    • get the most out of assessment during this era of high-stakes testing;
    • maintain high expectations for all students but modify instruction to ensure all students progress;
    • communicate more effectively with families to build trust during a time of change and high-stakes assessments; and
    • overcome obstacles, such as the emphasis on testing, the need for more technology, and finding teacher collaboration time.

    Each chapter is filled with practical strategies that you can implement immediately, as well as suggested resources for learning more about a particular topic.

    Acknowledgments

    Meet the Authors

    Chapter 1: Less Is More

    Chapter 2: Cutting, Combining, and Slowing Down

    Chapter 3: Critical Readers and Researchers

    Chapter 4: Problem Solvers and Decision Makers

    Chapter 5: Effective Communicators

    Chapter 6: Engaged Learners

    Chapter 7: Collaborators

    Chapter 8: Getting the Most Out of Assessment

    Chapter 9: Differentiation

    Chapter 10: Supporting Teachers Doing Less

    Chapter 11: Families, Communities, and Schools Working Together

    Chapter 12: Overcoming Obstacles

    Chapter 13: Ten Keys to Less Is More

    Biography

    Renee Rubin is an educational consultant specializing in literacy, ELLs, and family engagement. Previously, she taught elementary schools for 11 years and taught pre-service and in-service teachers at the University of Texas at Brownsville for 13 years.

    Michelle H. Abrego is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Brownsville in the educational leadership program where she prepares principals and superintendents.

    John A. Sutterby is an associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio in the area of early childhood education.

    "There is a growing need for a book like this one as teachers and administrators search for concrete information, research, and ideas on how to meet the Common Core learning standards in their states in a comprehensive, thoughtful manner. The authors' thoughts, ideas, writings, and clear examples will help educators to move forward in a sound, effective, and inspiring fashion."

    --Gregory J. Bartlett, Assistant Superintendent, Brunswick School Department, Brunswick, Maine

    "Less Is More is just what a stressed out teacher needs to bring clarity to the task of creating a cohesive instructional plan to meet the demands of any educational system. The authors have targeted proven research strategies and clearly outline how these strategies can create efficiencies that support deeper learning."

    --Teresa Tulipana, Principal of Renner Elementary School, Missouri